Porsche 2.7
The M44.12 is the displacement-enlarged variant of the base M44 — 2,680 cc vs. 2,479, 165 hp vs. 163. Technically identical architecture (SOHC, 8V), same weaknesses. Only fitted in the final model year 1988/89 as a transitional model to the 968. Rare on the market, technically barely different from the 2.5.
The rare transitional 944 — for connoisseurs
The 944 2.7 is the answer to the question "What came between the 2.5 and the 968?" Built for just one model year, technically barely different from the 2.5, but with 200 cc more displacement marginally stronger in mid-range torque. Rare enough to interest collectors — but too similar to the 2.5 to justify a premium. Driving feel identical: transaxle precision, hydraulic steering, honest sports car without electronic aids.
Engine Weaknesses 11
All M44 engines are interference engines. If the timing belt breaks, the valves bend immediately — typically 8 exhaust valves. No official Porsche replacement interval; generally recommended every 30,000–60,000 km. Timing belt history is a key purchase factor.
Symptoms: Engine stops abruptly, cranks unusually fast on restart attempt (no compression resistance), metallic knocking from the head
If the balance shaft belt breaks, it can wrap around the timing belt and take it with it — causing valve damage. Always replace together with the timing belt. Oil-contaminated belts wear faster.
Symptoms: Slapping noise from the belt drive, oil traces on the balance shaft belt, engine dies suddenly
A seized water pump can cause timing belt failure — catastrophic in an interference engine. The thermostat is positioned after the radiator (not before, as is usual), which makes diagnosis more difficult. Coolant in the oil points to a head gasket failure or the side-mounted oil cooler/heat exchanger on the block.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rising unusually, coolant loss without visible leak, milky oil on the dipstick, squealing noise from the belt drive
Identical failure pattern to the 2.5-litre: a broken balance shaft belt destroys the timing belt. Interference engine means total valve damage. Especially critical on the 2.7L due to higher stress.
Symptoms: Vibration between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, knocking sound from the timing cover, sudden engine shutdown
The 2.7-litre M44.12 shows a higher rate of head gasket failures than the smaller engine. The larger displacement and greater thermal load promote cylinder head warping.
Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, cloudy coolant, power loss, coolant consumption without visible leak
The timing belt on this interference engine must be replaced every 30,000 km or 3 years. Replace all idler pulleys and the water pump at the same time. A missed service interval is an existential threat to the engine.
Symptoms: No warning sign — sudden engine shutdown with no possibility of restarting
Water pump is belt-driven. Bearing or impeller failure leads to overheating and head gasket damage. Always replace at the same time as the timing belt.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, rising temperature gauge, squealing from the timing cover
All three front seals (crankshaft, camshaft, balance shaft) age together. Leaking oil contaminates the timing belt and massively accelerates its wear — that is the real risk. Replace all shaft seals at every timing belt change.
Symptoms: Oil drops under the belt cover, oil traces visible on the timing belt, oil smell when engine is warm
On vehicles over 30 years old, coolant hoses and the thermostat are often still original. A burst hose or thermostat failure quickly leads to overheating with consequential damage.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, irregular operating temperature, vehicle warms up too quickly or not at all
Balance shaft seals harden and leak. Oil escaping at the bottom of the engine poses a fire risk on contact with hot exhaust components.
Symptoms: Oil drops under the engine, oil smell after driving, oil film on the underside of the engine
All shaft seals, flange gaskets, and cover seals on this 35+ year old engine need replacing. Oil leaks at multiple points simultaneously are typical.
Symptoms: Multiple oil leak points simultaneously, oil smell while driving, oil spots under the vehicle
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The 944 transaxle layout connects engine and gearbox via a torque tube — the bearings inside wear after 30–40 years. Removal is extremely labour-intensive as either the engine or gearbox must come out. Specialist refurbishment is cheaper than new OEM parts.
The 944 was fully galvanised from the factory but still rusts at weld seam edges. Sills rot from inside through the ventilation slots in the B-pillar area. Rear side panels rust when the tail light seals become brittle and water enters.
The rubber centre coupling between the engine and torque tube ages and starts rattling. Transaxle shaft bearings become noisy after 30–40 years. Clutch replacement is more involved than on conventional cars — the gearbox is at the rear.
Cold solder joints in the DME control unit, especially on early examples. Engine runs fine when warm, but cold it misfires sporadically or does not start. Resoldering by an electronics specialist is a cheap fix.
UV radiation and temperature cycling break down the dashboard material — cracked on almost every 944, especially the angular 944 I variant (1982–1985). Professional re-trimming costs €1,200–1,800. Used replacements are practically unavailable.
Most common cause: corroded 4-pin connector on the headlight motor (heat and vibration in the engine bay). Relays also fail. A manual emergency knob is on the motor. Always check connector and relay before replacing the motor.
Reports & Tests
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1982–1991). Most reported: Fuel System (4), Gasoline (4), Fuel System (3).